Where are Ryder, Wheeler?

by BruinDW on May 13, 2010 12:09 AM EDT

Having just finished watching the Bruins drop the third straight against the Flyers, one question remains....

What happened the Claude Juliens "genius" pick-up from the Candiens and last year's Calder Trophy runner-up? First off, Michael Ryder. Last year, many were applauding Chiarelli and Julien for picking this guy up after he notched 27-26=53. I was one of them. I know he's had a lot of family issues this year, with his younger brother and all, but he's had a big drop off this regular season, despite playing more games, and has been all but invisible this post-season. For a guy with a lethal drag-and-curl snapshot, I can't remember the last time I saw this guy get a shot on net. I watched him gain possession in the zone and not even put anything towards goal, despite all my screaming at the television. I know he was credited with that fluke, broken stick goal, but even that, in my opinion, should have been credited to Sobotka.

Which brings me to Blake Wheeler. His compete level is negative. He's a big body with some speed and good hands, but has yet to show any of that. I agree with most that David Krecji was a big part of his success last year, but I believe Vladimir Sobotka is a more than capable center. He has been skating like he's stuck in mud for most of the year. I don't know if he needs a good skate sharpening or what, but unlike Ryder, who at least gets in on some plays, and seems to put forth some effort, Wheeler barely had his name called by the play-by-play guy in Game 6.

Now, I feel bad for bad-mouthing these guys. I am genuinely a fan of both, despite what I (a lowly Bruins fan with very limited hockey skills) perceive as a lack of moving legs from both. So I'll say this: With Krecji and Sturm out, I need Wheels and Ryder to carry the slack, and I really believe they can do it. They just need to get their legs moving. And if they don't, Julien should have them riding the pine pony, in favor of the 4th line (who must have outchanced that line 5 times over tonight).

Many FanPosts are written by readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Stanley Cup of Chowder, SB Nation, their sponsors, or business partners.

Tweet Comment 22 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I didn’t think Wheeler was bad last night. He was working pretty hard, I thought. But his effort level absolutely fades in and out.

Ryder…I mean, did he even play? I didn’t notice him once. He’s a streaky player; always has been, probably always will be. He was great in the Buffalo series and hasn’t done dick in this one. Hopefully tomorrow night starts a new hot streak for him.

by Phunwin on May 13, 2010 8:41 AM EDT reply actions

I think Wheels is still a young player

It’s somewhat natural for the him to get muscled out and drop his compete level in the playoffs, especially against a physical team like Philly.

Ryder started the playoffs with a pretty solid series vs Buffalo, but it seems he too has been shut down by Philly.

The B’s are playing very soft, and when they aren’t playing soft they are taking stupid penalties.

Game 7 isn’t going to be pretty with the way the O is playing, and sadly it’s not just Wheels and Ryds, everyone is struggling.

by JonnyNYC on May 13, 2010 10:10 AM EDT reply actions

just face it: Wheeler sucks

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 13, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

he’s youngish, 23 is a time when a guy with his potential should start showing consistent production, however, that has not been the case… at all

by BlueNGoldBomber on May 13, 2010 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions

He's been in the league for 2yrs!

Got to be patient with guys, not many NHL players are bonified stars or goal scorers 2 years into the league.

He’s stat lines from last year and this year are only slightly down. Sure, it would be great for him to be improving year over year – but on the B’s this year, show me one offensive player who really improved YoY 09-10.

There aren’t many. He should be available for around $2M, and I’d buy at that level.

by JonnyNYC on May 14, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

No, you cannot afford him when you have better players you have to sign. The Ference contract screwed everything up….

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 14, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know, sort of early to say you definitely can't afford him

I mean, he’s a 23 year old wing who is at worst a 20 goal scorer in the future. I think you can find some coin for him, depends on what other wants though and how much the B’s value Seidenberg, Stuart, Boychuck, etc.

by JonnyNYC on May 14, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

all three of those guys are more valuable

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 14, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

True - but its also about allocation of the budget

B’s need more offense, and $2m a year for a 23 yr old 20 goal scorer isn’t terrible.

Seidenberg is the wildcard in terms of what he asks. I think Stuart should be around $2.5M and Boychuck around $1.5M, ideall Seidenberg is around $2.5M as well.

Should be enough to sign all 4 guys.

by JonnyNYC on May 14, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I guees
I would love for the Bs to keep Recchi and Miro too

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 14, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd agree with that

I’d sign them up in a second, though it’s unclear how much either wants to play, or what they’ll cost.

I’d say Recchi is 75% coming back, Miro 50/50

by JonnyNYC on May 14, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuepVP-NBrs

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 13, 2010 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

Does this count as a vote for Wheels

Or more of a “he gets lucky more then he is good” type review?

by JonnyNYC on May 13, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Wheeler, I think he’s got more scoring talent than Shawn Thornton. Tomorrow isn’t the night to send a message to a player.

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 13, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Unless that Player is on the Flyers

is #18 and wears a “C” on his sweater….

by JonnyNYC on May 13, 2010 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

oh god i hate him right now

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 13, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Just like we did to matt cooke in that 0-3 stinker? BRILLIANT IDEA

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 13, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Not the time to go after Richards. He has been borderline, but you have to focus on winning.

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 13, 2010 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not saying take penalties going after him at all

I wouldn’t mind Chara and co focusing on putting him into the boards a bit more physically though

by JonnyNYC on May 14, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I would not mind it eaither if it was not amust win game

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 14, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Wheels has tons of scoring potential, something is just missing and I don’t know if he will ever turn into a complete and consistent goal scorer. I don’t mind keeping him around for a few more seasons to see what happens as long as it’s somewhere around $1.5million/year. Anymore than that is too much and would be better spent on scoring now. Right now though he is in a huge rut and is sucking like crazy.

by MattS on May 13, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions